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Governor asked to apologize for remarks about gays

The Associated Press

Updated:
05/24/2014 05:30:54 PM EDT

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A gay rights organization is calling on Utah Gov. Gary Herbert to apologize for suggesting homosexuality is a choice and for calling decisions by other state leaders to not defend same-sex marriage bans the "next step to anarchy."

John Netto of the Utah Pride Center says the governor's comments during his monthly televised news conference Thursday were hurtful.

He told The Salt Lake Tribune (http://bit.ly/1mjgsGh ) that to equate same-sex marriage with anarchy is "hate speech," and Herbert needs to be educated about the latest science regarding human sexuality.

Herbert's office didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Herbert called decisions by Oregon and Pennsylvania leaders to not defend same-sex marriage bans a "tragedy" and the "next step to anarchy."

He also said same-sex marriage isn't the same as interracial marriage and sexual activity involves choices.